Manipur Mail – Page 17

KSDC calls 48 hours bandh

IMPHAL, Aug 7 NNN : The Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) has announced today to impose 48 hours bandh from midnight of August 13, the time when the United Naga Council (UNC) sponsored 48 hours bandh will get over.
The Naga body is pushing for a separate administration ( Alternative Arrangement) from the Manipur government while the Kuki body is demanding a separate Kuki statehood by carving out ‘Kuki areas’ in Manipur.
KSDC information secretary George Guite said the forth coming bandh is to press the government to address the vexed Kuki issue at the earliest in the form of Kuki statehood.
The KSDC appeals all to extend co-operation to the Committee’s movement.
Yesterday, the United Naga Council had announced to call 48 hours bandh starting from August 11 midnight.
Given this picture, Manipur, especially the hill districts where the Nagas and the Kukis dominated, will experience four days straight bandh. This would also mean that the national highways and roads linking the state
capital Imphal with the rest of the country will be choked for four days.At present, Manipur is yet to recover from the serious landslide impact which had cut off the main supply line of the state National Highway 2 for almost a month.
Since July 8, the supplies of essential commodities have been affected following a 48-hour bandh and the subsequent July 12 massive landslide near Kohima. The landslide was cleared three days ago.
There have been scarcity of commodities especially the fuel in the state. Even today, vehicles in long queues are seen infront of oil pumps.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ksdc-calls-48-hours-bandh/

Karbi Anglong stir cut off supplies to Manipur, Nagaland

DIMAPUR, Aug 7 NNN: As reported earlier by this news agency, Manipur and Nagaland have started feeling the pinch of 300 hours bandh of Karbi Anglong district of Assam neighbouring Nagaland.
The Karbi People’s Liberation Tiger (KPLT) sponsored Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao 300 hours bandh which began 5 am of August 5, will conclude on August 17 in support of the statehood demand of Karbi Anglong district.
Prices of commodities such as onions and potatoes have sky-rocketed today.
In some places in Dimapur, a kilogram of onions is sold now at Rs 60, while a kilogram of potato is now cost Rs 30. Few days ago it was sold at Rs 15.

NPMHR denounces AFSPA

DIMAPUR, Aug 7 NNN : (NPMHR) deplores the continuing dehumanizing of Naga society through militarization and enforcement of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, through the declaration of Disturbed Area Act (DAA) which the NPMHR said is rooted directly to colonial policy of suppressing peoples’ movement.
The NPMHR made this statement today while expressing its disappointment over the continued extension of Disturbed Area Act (DAA) in Nagaland year after year.
It can be noted here that last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India had informed the extension of the notification declaring Nagaland as a “Disturbed Area” under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 in the Gazette of India for a period of one year, with effect from June 30.
“This extension has been made despite the prevailing congenial political environment with the steady progress of current political events in the background of ceasefires with major political groups (Naga underground organisations) and peace negotiations; and at a time when Nagas are seeking to achieve meaningful reconciliation for a peaceful approach to addressing common issues,” the Naga rights group pointed out.
NPMHR feels that the continued extension of the DAA reflects a lack of political understanding on the part of the Government of India, which has failed to enable any confidence building mechanisms for a common concern.
“The NPMHR therefore deplores the continuing dehumanizing of Naga society through militarization and enforcement of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, through the declaration of DAA which is rooted directly to colonial policy of suppressing peoples’ movement,” the Naga rights group stated. The NPMHR then said that ever since India engaged the Naga people under these “terror laws” with an over-whelming presence of military personnel of all shades and sizes, who wantonly committed heinous atrocities and gross violation of human rights; and even took upon itself the role of social and developmental activities, the Naga experience has been one of political subjugation, economic exploitation and cultural assimilation.
“Another note of concern is the involvement of bureaucratic judgments, particularly in the sanctioning and involvement of legislations, which is totally opposed to the political will and reasons that is much required today,” the NPMHR stated.
The NPMHR implore upon the present day Government of Nagaland to initiate an all-party discussion for immediate removal of the Disturbed Area tag which has been the “face of Nagaland” for as long as one can remember.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npmhr-denounces-afspa/

Works under RMSA not progressing

IMPHAL, Aug 7 NNN : The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has alleged that school building construction works under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Avyan (RMSA), Manipur have not been completed in want of funds.
ATSUM general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang said that old school buidings have been dismantled for the construction of new buildings under RMSA for 2010-2011 and at the end of the day it is the students who have been greatly affected. The ATSUM leader said the students’ body had investigated on the matter and found out that contractors engaging in the works could not complete the task as the fund meant for the works have not been released by the concerned authority.
ATSUM then alleged even whatever amount that was released earlier, there were 11.7% deduction as departmental charge and 5.6% deduction as local sale tax which is totalling to some 17% deduction.
“We have investigated on the matter and the concerned authority has told us that the finance rule has it that these two components are to be deducted at source,” the ATSUM revealed.
According to ATSUM, regarding the NLCPR projects such deductions are not allowed.
“We have also received numerous complaints that there have been heavy impositions of taxes both from valley and hill based underground organisations,” said ATSUM while adding, “Since RMSA works are closely related with education and the welfare of the student community, we are disturbed to see this kind of unbecoming action from the concerned authorities.”
The tribal students’ body then urged the concerned authorities to rectify it at the earliest in the interest of the student community.
Meanwhile, at the backdrop of the Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee Manipur (STDCM) gaining momentum for recognition of Meiteis as Scheduled Tribe, ATSUM demanded for setting up of a separate state commission for Scheduled Tribe under Article 338-A of the Constitution.
“It has been our long standing aspiration to find a State Commission of the Scheduled Tribes in Manipur under the Article 338A of the Indian Constitution which would usher in all round Development and progress in respect of the Tribal people in this eastern most part of the Indian Union.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes which came in to force on 19th February, 2004 has failed to provide adequate service to the state of Manipur a it is based on the distant centre in Shillong”, ATSUM said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/works-under-rmsa-not-progressing/

Mother of fake encounter victim finds flaw government’s affidavit

Imphal Aug 7 UNA : Pointing a flaw in the counter affidavit filed by Manipur government in the Supreme Court of India regarding extra judicial killing by police and security force in the state, mother of one of the victims Wednesday demanded police production her daughter-in-law ad grand children.
Lata Devi, mother of fake encounter victim Onsorjit who had appeared in the Supreme Court on Tuesday and arrived at Imphal today, alleged that Manipur government in its counter affidavit submitted to the court mentioned that his son was a married man having children eventhough he was actually a bachelor.
“My son had not married,” she said urging the government to produce if his son had wife and children and hand over to them to her so that she can bring up her grand children.
Onsorjit was one of the victims of extrajudicial killing meted out by the police and security force in Manipur which included among the six cases which the Supreme Court order for inquiry by a three-member panel headed by Santosh Hedge.
After the inquiry commission submitted its reports qualifying all the six cases as fake encounter, the Supreme Court on Tuesday has issued a reminder to the state government to submit a copy of the report of various inquiries conducted on AFSPA in Manipur by September 10 to the apex Court.
There are 27 such inquiries conducted by various independent commissions, including the case of Th Manorama Devi and the court fixed the next hearing on September 17, 2013, Babloo of Human Rights Alert informed the media at a press briefing regarding the latest development in the case filed by Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families’ Association (AAVFAM).
The Supreme Court-appointed committee probing the six cases of alleged extra-judicial killings has it its report submitted to the court stated that these were not genuine encounters and the victims, including a 12-year-old boy, did not have any criminal records.
A bench comprising Justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai perused the committee’s report which said none of the six cases qualify as encounters and they are fake.
Meanwhile the National Human Rights Commission has prayed for more time to submit its comment on the Justice Santosh Hegde led enquiry commission’s report. The Centre, Ministry of Defence, Home and the
State Government have submitted their comments and arguments, sources said.
The State and Union Governments have reportedly recommended handing
over the matter to the CID and CBI respectively to investigate the alleged cases.

Yasuhisa Kawamura, Minister & Dy. Chief of Mission Embassy of Japan, New Delhi Calling on Chief Minister, Manipur on Aug 7

Yasuhisa Kawamura, Minister & Dy. Chief of Mission Embassy of
Japan, New Delhi Calling on Chief Minister, Manipur on Aug 7

1279 Hydel Power Projects identified in the North-East

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 6 : A total number of 1279 sites have been identified in the North-East for setting up mini hydel plants aggregating/estimated potential of 2598.63 MW. The maximum number of sites for hydel power generation projects have been identified in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh, 677, 1341.38 MW, Assam 119, 238.69 MW, Manipur 114, 109.13 MW, Meghalaya 97, 230.05 MW, Mizoram 72 , 168.9 MW, Nagaland 99, 196.98 MW, Tripura 13, 46.86 MW, Sikkim 88, 266.64 MW.
The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) is insisting upon basin-wise cumulative Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Studies of such projects to deal effectively with likely problems relating to submergence, rehabilitation & resettlement issues and likely impact in the down-stream areas. The MoEF also stipulates comprehensive mitigative measures for environmental safety while according environment clearance to run-of-the river (R-O-R) projects although they have only a limited environmental impact.
This information was given by MoS (I/C) Power Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/1279-hydel-power-projects-identified-in-the-north-east/

ADB to finance in road works

IMPHAL, August 6 NNN : Asian Development Bank (ADB) will finance Manipur road connectivity construction.
This was disclosed by Manipur minister for Works, Kh Ratankumar on Tuesday who said the road connectivity in the state will be developed soon at the cost of Rs 1,800 crore to be sponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
“Transport and communication, the vital infrastructure of the state, is to develop under the South Asia Sub-Regional Economic Project, a joint venture of India, Myanmar and Thailand and that the project aimed at expanding road connectivity of the three countries with modern facilities,” Ratankumar told a press conference at his office here.
He informed that the state Government has already finalised to start development of the roads connecting Imphal, Tupul, Bishnupur, Mayang Imphal, Thoubal and Kasom Khullen under the project.
Under this project the Government will also develop Imphal-Moreh road (National-Highway-2), the greater Imphal ring-roads, and Wangjing, Heirok, Machi and Khudengthabi roads, and Imphal-Kangchup, Tamenglong, Tousem and Haflong roads, and Imphal-Ukhrul, Kamjong, Kongkhang Thana roads, and Imphal-Moirang, Wangoo, Churachandpur roads, he further informed.
He also said that a meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s office yesterday to discuss the development project to be taken up under ADB. The meeting which was chaired by the Chief Minister was attended by ministers and other officials of the state Transport Department, he said.
All the above roads will be developed on the priority basis, he informed and said that the ADB has also assured Manipur Government that more fund for development of more road connectivity in the state will be provided by the bank if proposed by the state

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/adb-to-finance-in-road-works/

NSCN KK man killed

Senapati, Aug 6 NNN : Factional killings among Naga militant organisations have re-surfaced in Manipur after a long lull.
Today, a cadre of NSCN-Khole-Kitovi was shot dead in Senapati district headquarters by suspected rival cadres.
Sources said self-style ‘Lieutenant Colonel’ Pfokrehe James, 55 years, hailed from NSCN-Khole-Kitovi group ( formerly called Unification) was dragged away from Senapati Bazaar Old Road area around 3:15 pm today by three gunmen and later at around 5 pm gun shots were heard. Around 5:30 pm the body of Pfokrehe James was found lying between Senapati’s Angkailongdi and Viewland Colony. Police rushed to the spot and retrieved the body.
It is said that Pfokrehe James hailed from Robunamai village under Mao-Maram subdivision of Senapati district.
Police believed that the incident is related to the factional rivalry of the NSCNs. However, it is exactly not known which group was responsible for the killing.
Meanwhile, Mao Council has strongly condemned the incident saying killing an unarmed person is an act of cowardice. The Mao Council also said Pfokrehe had come to Senapati town to participate in the crucial meeting on Census issue today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-kk-man-killed/

Food security bill good : Cong

UKHRUL, Aug 6 NNN : Amidst roaring protest from non-Congress political parties in Manipur against the Food Security Bill, the state government of Manipur is attempting hard to convince the people that the Bill means a huge benefit for the poor section of the society.
As part of its gear up measure, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam on Tuesday called for mass awareness on the Food Security Bill which is expected to benefit 75 percent of the rural population while another 50 percent of the urban population in the state.
Participating in a one day ‘state level (ST) youth convention and discussion on Food Security Bill, 2013’ organised by Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) at Town Hall, Ukhrul district, Gaikhangam assertively stated that states with more number of poor people will get more benefits through this food security.
He said the people need awareness on the Bill and urged all the Congress workers and the party’s frontal organizations to spread its facts.
Gaikhangam said presently the people are provided with various benefits under three different schemes—APL, BPL and AAY—but the AAY will be removed after implementation of the ordinance.
Manipur’s 23.38 lakh population of the 27.21 lakh total population will get benefits under the National Food Security Bill, 2013 which aimed at eradicating hunger and providing nutrition to women and children in the country, the Deputy Chief Minister said. This scheme will provide 5 kg foodgrains per person per month at Rs 3 per kg for rice and Rs 2 per kg for wheat.The scheme is most likely to implement in the state within three months, he said.
The Bill proposes to cover nearly 82 crore of India’s population—75 percent of the rural population and another 50 percent of the urban population—that is, nearly 60 percent of the population.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/food-security-bill-good-cong/

UNC calls 48 hr bandh

Imphal Aug UNA : The United Naga Council (UNC) has called a 48 hours total bandh and would be observed in Naga areas from the midnight of 11th August, 2013 to midnight of 13th August, 2013 and the Naga people will abstain from participation in the 66th Indian Independence Day celebration.
The UNC has not received a response from the Government of India (GoI) to the submission of the UNC dated 15th July, 2013 for indicating the date for the next round (6th) of tripartite talk of the GoI, Government of Manipur (GoM) and the Nagas on the demand for an alternative arrangement outside the GoM was taken up among other agenda in the meeting of the Presidential Council of the UNC held at Tahamzam on last 5th August, 2013.
The Council meeting which was also attended by all the Regional and Naga frontal organisations took strong exception to the lack of respect for the democratic process of dialogue by the GoI and the GoM which had been put in place at the instance of the GoI. While it has been placed on record by the UNC team in the tripartite talks that the GoI and the GoM must be respectful of the democratic process of dialogue and avoid delays in taking it forward, the delay in convening the 6th round of talk even after lapse of more than 5 months since the last talk, which concluded with assurance for convening the next round .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-calls-48-hr-bandh/

NPO submits ultimatum

Imphal Aug 6 UNA : The Naga People’s Organisation (NPO) submitted an ultimatum against the exclusion of 2011 Census figure in the respect of Mao-Maram, Paomata and Purul sub-division of Senapati district, Manipur to the Chief Minister on Tuesday.
According to the ultimatum submitted to the CM through the deputy commissioner of Senapati stated that the people of Mao-Maram, Paomata and Purul sub-division of Senapati district, has being pursuing for the restoration of 2001 original census figure. Furthermore, the unjust denial of our very existence by excluding our census figure in 2011 provisional census data has greatly hurt the sentiments of the people.
The government should resolve the 2011 census by restoring the original census figure as enumerated by August 31, failure which the organization would be compelled to resort into different course of democratic agitations and the state government will be the held responsible for any eventualities during the agitation added the ultimatum.
The ultimatum was jointly signed by M.L. Markson, president NPO, A. John, Chairman Census Committee, NG. Lohrii, president Poumai Naga Union (PNU), president, Mao Council, Maram Union, Zaliangrong Union etc.
Interaction with youth
MNS: under its ‘Youth Empowerment Programme’ the Security Forces under Red Shield Division organised an interaction programme for the youth at village Sinjol. The programme was addressed by Company Commander, 38 Assam Rifles where challenges and various opportunities available for the youth in the area were discussed. The youth were also educated and motivated to join the defence services .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npo-submits-ultimatum/

KRA denies involvement in kidnapping of officials

IMPHAL, Aug 6 NNN : The Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) has denied its involvement in the recent kidnapping of seven engineers in Manipur.
KRA information and publicity secretary T Simte has clarified that at point of time no cadres of the outfit will involve in such incident.
T.Simte then demanded from IFCD Executive Engineer N Surachandra to immediately clarify as to why the engineer had pointed its finger at the KRA for the abduction.
“Ever since the KRA had signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the government cadres of the outfit have been abiding the SoO ground rules,” claimed T Simte.
He then accused Exe cutive Engineer N Surachandra of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD), government of Manipur of attempting to tarnish the image of the KRA. “Our cadres have been confined in designated camps after the SoO was signed and moreover we have been supporting the government effort to bring development,” T Simte stated. The KRA leader also accused the engineer of trying to do away the hard earned peace. “The engineer should spell out the reason at the earliest for clubbing the name of our out with the recent abduction incident of the seven engineers,” T Simte demanded.
It may be recalled here that on August 1, seven persons, including two engineers Abhijit Sinha and Debajit Sinha from Kolkata based RN Sinh Constructions Ltd were abducted by suspected militants somewhere in Pukhao Terapur, about 10 km from Dolaithabi Barrage Project, Dolaithabi village.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kra-denies-involvement-in-kidnapping-of-officials/

Security beefed up in view of ID celebrations

IMPHAL, Aug 6 MNS NNN: Security has been intensified in Manipur to avert any untoward incident in the run up to the Independence Day celebrations. The state police have laid a tight security plan ahead of the celebrations arresting several militants during cordon and search operations in Imphal city during the past one week.
On August 4, a team of Imphal East district police commandos arrested at least three militants, including a former member of Kuki National Organisation/Kuki Liberation Army (KNO/KLA) and two People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Pro members in separate search operations here.
Solal Tauthang alias Kansa alias Lalboy, 38, hailing from T Zordanphai village under Saikul police station in Senapati district, was apprehended by a team of Imphal East district police commandos during a search operation at New Lambulane Tribal Market around 5 pm, said the district Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations), M Rajen during a press briefing at his office on Tuesday.
Rajen said that Touthang had claimed that he was a former member of KNO/KLA.
On the same day, the commando team also arrested a PREPAK-pro militant at Bamon Leikai round 7:30 pm, the ASP said and identified him as Moirangthem Kalachand Singh alias Biren, 55, a resident of Kwakeithel Mayai Koibi, Imphal West district.
Another member of the same outfit was later arrested by the commando team from Bamon Leikai around 7:45 pm, he said while naming him as Khumukcham Biswajit Singh alias Nanao, 48, a resident from Moirangkhom bazaar.
Two Italy made 9 mm pistols, two magazines with five rounds, two Chinese hand grenades and one mobile handset were recovered from the duo, Rajen said.
Meanwhile, a separate statement released by Superintendent of Police, Imphal East district has claimed that the former cadre of KNO/KLA Solal Touthang arrested by the district police commandos from New Lambulane Tribal Market on August 4 is turned out to be a cadre of Kuki National Front -Nehlun (KNF-N).
The statement said that Tothang joined the outfit in June this year and that he was involved in several extortion cases. Recently, Touthang on the instruction of his commander Ranjit Kipgen, a self-styled sgt of KNF (N), had demanded Rs 20, 00, 00 to a retired IFCD Chief Engineer named one Gangte of Deulahland here.
Meanwhile, at least 25 persons were pulled up by Imphal West district police after a cordon and search operation in Moirangkhom Bukulmakhong area early Tuesday morning.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/security-beefed-up-in-view-of-id-celebrations/

25 Years in Harnessing Scientist-Farmer-Policy Maker Synergy

M. V. S. Prasad Joint Director, PIB, Chennai
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) is a non-profit research organization and was established in 1988. The Foundation thus enters its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. From a small beginning, MSSSRF has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized institution with its own research and training infrastructure at Chennai, Koraput in Odisha, Kalpetta in Kerala, Kaveripoompattinam in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. A laboratory-cum-training centre is coming up at Chidambaram for the coastal research programme. In addition to the well developed regional centres in Koraput and Kalpetta, a third major research and training hub is being established in Vidarbha, a region suffering from serious agrarian distress.
MSSRF has been instituted as a model of a translational research centre devoted to converting scientific discoveries into field applications. This calls for research at two ends of the spectrum: participatory research with farming families, on the one hand, and policy research designed to achieve synergy between grass-roots experience and public policy, on the other. The focus of MSSRF has all along been developing and following a pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro-sustainable on-farm and non-farm livelihoods through appropriate eco-technology and knowledge empowerment.
It carries out research and development in the following six major thematic areas:
Coastal Systems Research – Involves restoration of mangrove forests, alternative livelihood for fishing community, etc.
Biodiversity – Involves documenting endangered and medicinal plants, providing necessary training to village community to maintain biodiversity register, conserving genes and seeds through ex-situ community based gene bank, and in-situ on-farm conservation etc.
Biotechnology – Involves developing salt and drought tolerant transgenic rice varieties, testing availability of oil content in different biofuel crops / plants, lichens diversity, etc.Ecotechnology – Involves setting up bio-villages. Bio-village paradigm involves sustainable management of natural resources and developing sustainable on-farm and non-farm livelihoods as eco-enterprises managed by self-help groups.
Food Security – MSSRF is engaged in the development of methodologies for promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture. One approach has been to improve the productivity of small-farm agriculture, which is the backbone of the livelihood security system of a large population of the country. To maintain the nutrition dimension in agriculture, a programme termed Farming System for Nutrition (FSN) is being introduced in Koraput, Kolli Hills, Wayanad and Vidarbha where there is a high burden of malnutrition.
MSSRF programme on food security has two major elements: Community Based Interventions and Research. The former has focused on promoting household food security, among the socially and economically deprived sections in society, through various interventions. The latter, the research part, has concentrated on developing research reports that provide a macro perspective of the country’s food security concerns.
Information, Education and Communication – Involves addressing the issues related to sustainable development using different information communication technology tools for knowledge empowerment of the resource-poor, largely illiterate and unskilled rural women and men.
MSSRF’s approach to poverty alleviation has been asset building, particularly imparting new skills and knowledge and promoting community organizations. Whatever help it has been able to render to rural and tribal families is because of its ability to integrate knowledge from frontier areas of science like biotechnogy, with field level management structures like bio-village council and self help groups providing micro-credit to initiate micro-enterprises.
(PIB Features.)

Demand for separate states

As the fall out of Union Government led by Congress party agreeing to create Telangana state, there is hue and cry for creation of more states in different parts of the country. Can India afford to have 50 states in the same pattern US is having. Former UP Chief Minister Mayawati demanded bifurcation of her state in to four, which can ensure delivery of administration in every nook and corner of the state. Manipur has only eight district and one sadar hills district. Even in such a small state like ours there is public complain about absence of governance in the remote and interior areas. They say everything has been centralised, nothing can be done without the approval of the highest executive of the state. Even tree plantation needs to be approved by the higher level, they say. Roads are not constructed unless it is inspected by people’s representatives. Engineers cannot identify the spot for placing culverts. But the demand for creation of state on communal line cannot be accepted. Manipur cannot be fragmented. The demand for creation of Kuki state carved out of tiny Manipur sounds unreasonable. Kuki statehood committee leaders are advised to drop the demand. The energy and time spent in making a demand, which will never materialise can be used in making the demand for promotion of arts and culture and language of the community. More needs to be done to scale higher level. If Manipuris died for protection of territorial integrity of the state they will do the same when the forces detrimental to the well being of the state make plan to divide the state. That is a warning. Every political party be it ruling or opposition had pledged in the past to protect the boundary of the state. That promise cannot be shattered. But it remains to be seen whether the Union Government will think of making Karbianglon in Assam and Darjeeling in West Bengal separate states. No separate state however is formed owing to pressure from the agitationists. Telanggana is different. Congress cannot shirk the duty of fulfilling the aspirations of millions of people living in Telanggana region. This however does not mean all the demands made for creation for separate states will be fulfilled by the ruling party at the centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/demand-for-separate-states/

Kidnapping drama ends as remaining five persons released unharmed

Imphal Aug 5 UNA MNS : The five days old kidnapping drama has ended with the release of remaining five persons late Sunday night amidst the police looking for a conspiracy behind the kidnapping.
After the release of two officials of the based RN Sinha Co Ltd, Debajit Sinha and Abhijit Sinha, secured safe release yesterday
(Sunday) morning from the kidnappers, the remaining five including SE N Karunacharya Singh, EE N Surchandra were released by the kidnappers late last night.
The seven persons were kidnapped on August 1 from their way back from an inspection tour to the Dolaithabi dam at Sagolmang area under Lamlai police station of Imphal East district.
With the release of all the seven persons, the five-day old kidnapping drama has ended. However, police is yet to confirm the militant group behind the kidnapping of the officials and on what condition they were release by the kidnappers.
The released officials also failed to disclose the name of the group behind the kidnapping. Except saying that they were being kept at a place dominated by the KRA and KLA and told that they wanted to hold talk with higher authorities of the department (IFCD).
Talking to reporters after arriving at his residence, EE Surchandra recalled that they were abducted at gun point on August 1, around 5pm from Ahallup area of Sagolmang by suspected cadres of Kuki underground group.
Even though, he hinted the kidnappers being one of the Kuki militant groups under tripartite suspension of operation trust with the Centre and state government.
“The cadres insisted us that they wanted to speak to higher authorities of the department,” he said, adding that the kidnappers told them that they are being kept at KRA-KLA area.
No harassment of any kind was meted out to them, he said, adding that the matter of kidnapping them needed state government attention as the group is currently under SoO trust with the government.
Regarding the question of not availing security escort for the inspection tour, EE Surchandra said they have gone on a sudden inspection visit without escort as company officials had arrived in Imphal without prior scheduled.
Manipur police Chief Y Joykumar had questioned the IFCD officials’ inspection tour without asking security escort from the concern police even though they (officials) are well aware of situation of the area where they were going.
Surchandra said earlier also they had gone on inspection visit to Khuga dam and Doliathabi project without any escort on many occasions.

BJP ready to favour the Food Security Bill after amendments

New Delhi, Aug 5 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said that they would suggest some amendments in the Food Security bill before getting it passed in both the houses.
BJP leader Ananth Kumar said that the Centre’s ambitious Food Security Bill has to be debated before it is fully adopted.
“The Bill needs to be debated and the Bharatiya Janata Party is going to put forward several suggestions and amendments in the existing Bill. Post this debate the house would adopt it,” he said.
Meanwhile, another BJP leader C.P Thakur put forth his party’s stance on the Food Security Bill and said that his party has never opposed any measures taken for the poor.
“The BJP will suggest some changes in the Food Security Bill and after that the Bill will be passed. As this Bill is for the poor people and they will be benefited from it so BJP is always ready to favour the government and work for any such measures taken for the poor people,” Thakur said.
Before the commencement of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had appealed to the opposition parties for their cooperation during the Session and deemed the Food Security ordinance the “most important” ordinance that the Parliament has on its hands.
“But all that we expect fully is to ask the opposition to cooperate with the government in passing the essential legislative work, which is the primary responsibility of Parliament. Of all the ordinances, five or six ordinances which are before the Parliament and most important is Food Security Ordinance,” said Dr. Singh.
“And I sincerely hope that the Parliament in its wisdom will find it productive, find it justified to convert that Ordinance into a Bill and an act of Parliament,” he added.
Fourteen Congress-led states are expected to roll out the UPA’s food security scheme from August 20, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had held consultations with chief ministers of all Congress-ruled states on July 13, where she asked them to efficiently implement the food security scheme in “letter and spirit.”
President Pranab Mukherjee signed the ordinance on the Food Security Bill on July 5, with the aim of providing food grains every month to two-thirds of the nation’s population at highly subsidized rates.
Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Naresh Agarwal described the bill as ‘anti-farmers’ and said that his party would not support it.
“This food security bill is completely anti-farmers and if it is implemented farmers would have to sell their produce at a lower price in the market. This will lead the farmers into committing suicide,” he said.
“In the current shape the Samajwadi Party will not accept this Bill, we consider it as anti-farmers and if need be we will vote against it,” he added.
The bill aims to provide 5 Kg of food grains per person per month at a subsidized rate through the State Governments under the targeted public distribution system. It is set to be the largest food welfare scheme in the world.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday endorsed the Food Security Bill, but added that her party will make certain suggestions when the ordinance is discussed in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
“It is imperative that the Food Security ordinance is discussed in the House before it becomes a Bill. The Food Security ordinance will give essential necessities to the poor at subsidized rates. … We believe that bringing the bill into Parliament is the correct decision. We will support the bill, but will also make some suggestions in Parliament so that the poor people can benefit to the fullest,” Mayawati said.
Mayawati , however, criticized the UPA-led government for the delay in bringing the Food Security Bill into Parliament, saying that it should have been implemented two-and-a-half years ago.

Demand for separate Bodoland intensifies

New Delhi, Aug. 5 (ANI): Days after the UPA Government gave its nod for the formation of Telangana, the Bodoland Members of Parliament staged a protest outside the Parliament here on Monday for creation of a separate state.
“Today we have deiced to stage a demonstration in front of the main gate of the Parliament House to raise the long pending demand for the creation of a separate state of Bodoland so that the people of the whole nation may come to know about the Bodoland. Bodoland demand is a very very ancient demand, very genuine demand, much decade old demand. It is very must justified, legitimate and democratic right of the Bodo people of Assam,” said Bodo People Front (BPF) MP Sansuma Khunguur Bwiswmuthiary.
Bwiswmuthiary further said if the UPA Government headed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh can give its nod for the formation of Telangana then it should also take a decision to create a separate state of Bodoland.
“We want similar kind of justice, equitable kind of justice. We would like to urge upon the Government of India to take appropriate positive political decision to create a separate state of Bodoland carving out of the present state of Assam in order to help ensure survival and existence of the Bodo people,” he added.
Another Bodo People Front MP Biswajit Daimary said that they would raise their demands for a separate state of Bodoland in the Parliament.
“We are staging a protest here and want to raise this issue in the Parliament.
They are giving Telangana then should also give us Bodoland. Why they are showing the sympathy to Telangana people and not us,” he added.
The Bodo People Front has also sent a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar to raise the issue in the House.
Thousands of people of the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) gathered in Assam’s Kokrajhar town yesterday, and slogans ‘No Bodoland, No rest’ and ‘Divide Assam 50:50’.
The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has called for a 60-hour shutdown in Assam to press its demand for a separate Bodoland state. The trains services to the northeast in Bodoland have been disrupted due to the shutdown called for separate statehood. Assam CM Tarun Gogoi has said that people have the right to agitate, but no one can take laws into their hand.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/demand-for-separate-bodoland-intensifies/

Vehicles start plying on highway

Imphal Aug 5 UNA : After more than three weeks of total halt of vehicular movement, normal traffic has been resumed on the Imphal-Dimapur section of national highway from Monday.
The normal movement of freight trucks on this section of the highway remained total halt after a massive landslide on the intervening night of July 12 and 13 near Heritage village, few kilometers from Kohima toward Imphal brought down around 300 meter portion of the highway.
Workers of the 15 Border Road Organisation (BRO) have been put into work day and night in cutting a new road to link up the highway and the same has been motorable today and Imphal-bound freight trucks have started crossing the newly constructed road.
Colonel Tejpal of the 15 BRO had earlier informed to the officials of the Indian Oil Corporation in Imphal about remarkable progress in the making of new road to connect the highway.
The BRTF under 15 BRO has started repair work of the affected portion of the highway since July 16. Later, road was totally blocked since August 2 to spe ed up the process.
The repairing has almost been completed by now, and loaded vehicles have started plying since yesterday, but the formal permission to use the road would only be given from the morning of Tuesday.
Since the cutting of the highway, Manipur has been experiencing petroleum products scarcity as import of these products entirely depend on this route even though other essential commodities were arriving to Imphal on the Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-37.
With the petroleum products stocks fast depleting, IOC authority in Imphal has been compelled to distribute petrol and diesel on ration system to the oil pumps at limited quantities to the retail oil pumps.
This again compelled customers to stand in beeline queue to get limited quantity of petrol and diesel to meet their requirement. A customer with two-wheeler vehicle could get petrol for Rs 350 at one time while f our wheelers light vehicles for Rs 500.
With the informal resumption of traffic, around 100 Imphal-bound loaded trucks including oil tankers and LPG laden trucks have reportedly crossed the newly constructed road and headed for Imphal this late afternoon, an official said, adding that they are likely to reach Imphal late tonight.
On the other hand, at least 101 loaded trucks have arrived Imphal from Jiribam today. The trucks included 19 petrol tankers, 30 diesel tankers, 42 fertilizers, 18 LPG trucks and one kerosene tanker. More trucks are on the way.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vehicles-start-plying-on-highway/